Christopher Smith is a distinguished intellectual property attorney specializing in patent litigation, IP counseling, licensing, and patent and trademark prosecution, with extensive experience representing Fortune 500 companies and startups across diverse industries. Christopher Smith is a highly regarded intellectual property attorney, recognized for his work in IP litigation, especially in patent litigation. His practice encompasses patent and trademark prosecution and the preparation of complex invalidity and infringement opinions. In 2024, Chris was honored with the prestigious Law360 MVP Award, an accolade awarded to only six IP attorneys nationwide, highlighting his exceptional influence and impact within the IP law community. Chris is a registered patent attorney authorized to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He represents clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to startups, leveraging a comprehensive understanding of industries including automotive (notably infotainment), medical devices, internet technologies (such as content delivery networks), and telecommunications (including fiber optics). Chris’s background in patent prosecution deepens his litigation acumen, enabling him to analyze patent file histories with precision, which is invaluable in shaping claim construction and invalidity arguments. His litigation success is rooted in both his technical expertise and extensive experience with trial teams, previously honed during his time at Kirkland and Ellis in Los Angeles. Chris is an active speaker at a number of major IP conferences, frequently sharing his insights on emerging issues in intellectual property law, offering valuable perspectives on cutting-edge topics and best practices. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan and a J.D. from UCLA. His early judicial externship with the Honorable R. Gary Klausner in the Central District of California offered him a unique perspective on federal judiciary processes, which continues to inform his strategic approach in litigation. Outside the courtroom, Chris is dedicated to family and leisure pursuits, enjoying fishing, swimming with his kids, bowling, historical autograph collecting and working on his golf game.

Mr. Runk provides legal services to clients in all of the intellectual property (IP) fields which include patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights. The services primarily encompass originating intellectual property portfolios, managing those portfolios, and enforcing a client's IP against infringers. His IP services also include reviewing the IP rights of others that may pose some level of risk to a client's business plans and providing advice about the risks. Mr. Runk works in state courts, in U.S. federal courts, and teams up with foreign attorneys for international cases. Mr. Runk's primary focus is on the fields of electrical, mechanical, signal processing, control systems, information management and processing systems, computer hardware, and software technologies. Mr. Runk has worked with a wide range of technologies such as complex medical apparatus for diabetes control, catheters for atrial mapping and ablation, valve systems, lighting systems for businesses, and inventory control systems using radio frequency identification. Mr. Runk provides IP services to businesses of all sizes from start-up companies to multi-billion dollar companies, and to individuals. Mr. Runk is a registered patent attorney at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and as such is licensed to represent clients in all aspects of patents and trademarks at the USPTO. Mr. Runk has prepared, negotiated, and finalized many intellectual property licenses and settlement agreements. Additionally, Mr. Runk has also performed the due diligence necessary in IP portfolio acquisition or divestiture which includes confirming clear title, maintenance issues, trademark use issues, and many other issues. Mr. Runk has also written and negotiated the intellectual property provisions for the contracts in acquisitions and divestitures. Many of these contracts involve complex contractual provisions for ownership and contingencies. Mr. Runk has also been actively engaged in intellectual property litigation including trial to a jury. In foreign countries, Mr. Runk has managed patent and trademark oppositions in Europe and in Asian countries.

Abha Fadipe is an experienced patent attorney that is passionate about working with clients on new and innovative technologies. Abha Fadipe focuses her practice on domestic and foreign patent preparation and patent prosecution in electrical and computer technologies, and on cybersecurity and data privacy. She is experienced in a variety of technology areas including thermal systems, 5G-antenna systems, electric drive systems, electric power systems, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Abha brings a client-focused approach to her practice and works closely with her clients to create patent strategies to fit their business needs. She conducts ideation sessions with clients’ technical specialists, actively monitors the patent landscape in key technological areas, and assists clients in developing patent portfolio strategies. Abha also held positions as an in-house counsel where she gained invaluable insight into patent portfolio management, especially with respect to foreign holdings. She has in-depth experience in consulting with international counsel, especially in Japan, China, Germany and across Europe, on how to respond to actions by foreign patent offices to provide a comprehensive international portfolio. Prior to entering the legal profession, Abha was a product engineer for over three years at a tier-1 automotive supplier. Abha holds a Juris Doctorate, as well as Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering, all from Wayne State University (WSU). During law school, Abha served as president of the intellectual property student organization, served on the WSU law school student council, and co-chaired the yearly WSU Law School silent auction fundraiser. On her personal time, she enjoys cooking as she aims to perfect Indian dishes she grew up on and enjoys being silly with her kids including making up new songs and negotiating everything from what’s for breakfast and bedtime.

Tiffany's practice involves counseling clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to start-ups on intellectual property matters. Her practice centers on procuring domestic and foreign patents in mechanical and electromechanical matters, and coordinating international patent portfolios. In particular, she has experience representing clients and protecting intellectual property rights in automotive technologies (including engine, drivetrain, powertrain, hybrid vehicle, and vehicle controls), aviation technologies, alternative energy, optics, and consumer products including personal care products, among others. Tiffany additionally has extensive experience in design patent prosecution. Tiffany’s practice also focuses on counseling clients regarding patentability investigations, infringement and freedom to operate analyses, and the negotiation and preparation of various intellectual property agreements, including licensing agreements and joint development agreements. She received her doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan with a focus in the thermal fluid sciences and an interdisciplinary thesis in combustion and materials science. She was a recipient of the prestigious National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship funded by the Department of Defense. After graduating, Tiffany was an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Drexel University for three years where she established a laboratory conducting federally funded research and taught courses in the thermal fluid sciences and engineering design sequences. At Michigan and Drexel, Tiffany's research involvement included: flame synthesis and materials analysis of nanomaterials for bio- and sensor applications, catalytic ignition of oxygenated fuels for microcombustors, in situ diode laser diagnostics in a flame environment, and chemical kinetic modeling of silane combustion. Tiffany has presented at numerous technical conferences, published twelve refereed articles, actively mentored students through both university and federally sponsored programs, and served on federal grant funding panels. She was awarded $850,000 as primary/senior investigator and an additional $1,300,000 as senior personnel on government funded research. Tiffany’s interdisciplinary background, as well as her experiences and successes in the scientific and academic communities, enable her to build relationships and connect with inventors to understand and protect advanced and emerging technologies. Tiffany is a registered patent attorney with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, a member of the Michigan State Bar, and admitted to the Federal District Court of the Eastern District of Michigan. Tiffany is an adjunct professor at the University of Michigan in the College of Engineering where she currently teaches patent law in the Center for Entrepreneurship. Tiffany believes that teaching results in a deeper understanding of the subject matter, and also allows for her continued involvement in STEM education. Tiffany serves on the executive board for the Women in IP Committee for the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) and also chairs their Presence and Branding Sub-Committee. In her personal time, Tiffany enjoys sailboat racing, travel, and photography, and is a licensed sailplane pilot.

Matt Jakubowski is a multi-faceted patent attorney with extensive experience in IP portfolio management, patent preparation and prosecution, IP agreement drafting and negotiation, and patent litigation. Matt is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and serves as the firm’s treasurer and CFO. He counsels clients in a wide range of intellectual property matters, including, IP portfolio management, freedom-to-operate opinions, cybersecurity, litigation, agreement drafting and negotiations, and due diligence projects. Matt has broad experience in patent preparation and prosecution in various technologies, including alternative fuel systems, polymer composites, medical products, consumer products, and alarm monitoring software. Matt has extensive experience with IP-related disputes and litigation, including patent litigation. His representative patent litigation cases have involved technologies from a variety of fields, including automotive telematics, display systems, data processing systems, computer software, monitoring systems, textile chemical treatments, automotive glass, encryption technology, online and mobile financial service apps and computer systems, and health and wellness consumer products. Matt has experience assessing a client’s current cybersecurity and data privacy protocols and developing a comprehensive incident response plan to ensure compliance with applicable laws. In addition to his deep experience with IP enforcement, litigation and portfolio management matters, he has an active practice counseling clients on patent freedom-to-operate projects and the negotiation and preparation of different types of agreements, including license agreements, joint venture agreements, and development and supply agreements. Matt received a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School. He graduated with honors from the University of Michigan with a degree in chemical engineering. He also holds an MBA from Wayne State University. In his spare time, Matt has coached his three children in Destination Imagination and Grosse Pointe Park Little League Baseball for several years. He describes coaching as a very rewarding and fun experience. Matt also enjoys boating on Lake St. Clair during the summer months with his wife and children. They have even boated to Cedar Pointe on several occasions!

Isaac’s practice focuses on the preparation and prosecuting of patent applications, primarily in the computer science and electrical arts. Isaac provides counseling to clients of all sizes, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small start-ups. Isaac has a deep understanding of various technologies in computer science and electrical systems. He has worked with clients in a broad range of industries including computer software, consumer electronics, telecommunications, automotive, and medical devices. In addition to counseling clients on patent prosecution, Isaac advises clients on complying with open source license terms and obligations. He has an in-depth understanding of various license agreements and works alongside clients to create compliance strategies. Prior to becoming a patent attorney, Isaac was a software developer at a leading computer technology corporation, where he worked closely with customers and sales to analyze customer requirements and design and implement software product features. Isaac also worked as an engineering assistant for a non-profit traffic safety organization operating in combination with local government, where he collected and studied traffic data to provide solutions to traffic problems. At Wayne State University Law School, Isaac was a Dean’s Scholar, and received scholarships including the Ira J. Spoon Endowed Scholarship and a bronze key award. Isaac was on the Wayne Law Review for two years, the second year of which he served as a senior articles editor.

Matt Mietzel’s comprehensive experience provides him with an intuitive ability to advise his clients on the management and protection of their intellectual property through even the trickiest of legal situations. Matt has extensive experience in preparing and prosecuting domestic and international patent applications, primarily in the mechanical and electromechanical arts. Beyond patent prosecution, Matt also has experience in the preparation of validity and infringement opinions, trademark prosecution, licensing, IP due diligence, and litigation matters. “In my practice, I find that compared to other patent attorneys, I have more of a genuine understanding of my clients’ problems and struggles, enabling me to advise them authentically and work with them on a deeper level.” – Matt Mietzel Prior to joining Brooks Kushman, Matt was an engineer in the automotive industry for over seven years. Whereas some engineers work solely in manufacturing or design, Matt gained experience in manufacturing, design, and research and development. Matt also has a deep understanding of the business needs of his clients, having earned a master’s degree in business administration. These experiences provide Matt with a strong foundation for advising clients on the management and protection of intellectual property. Matt was also a patent agent at a technology corporation where he learned first-hand about client expectations and how best to service clients. During his three years in that role, he prepared and prosecuted patent applications, led innovation workshops and patent design-around efforts, developed patent portfolio management strategies, and was involved in technology licensing matters. Matt has also served as acting in-house patent counsel for a Fortune 500 company managing a range of intellectual property matters. The combination of these diverse experiences provides Matt with an excellent understanding of the many aspects of intellectual property prosecution and intellectual property management. Outside of the office, Matt enjoys time with his family, hiking, and travelling.

Fanqi Meng is a skilled patent prosecution professional with a focus in computer systems and the electrical arts. Fanqi focuses his practice on patent prosecution and litigation in the mechanical and electrical arts, and computer systems. His practice also includes free and open-source software compliance and review. Fanqi has extensive experience in preparing and prosecuting patent applications on a variety of technologies including electronics, computers, and automotive-related arts. He has also been involved in a number of patent dispute negotiations and settlement. Fanqi spent three years working as a patent practitioner in Beijing, China, conducting various patent practices including drafting responses to office actions and interviewing with examiners. He has extensive experience in handling both Chinese domestic and international clients from the US, EU, and Japan. His international experience makes him an invaluable asset to Brooks Kushman’s patent prosecution team. Fanqi received his Juris Doctor from the University of New Hampshire School of Law (formerly Franklin Pierce Law Center). Prior to becoming a patent practitioner, Fanqi majored in Microelectronics and has extensive experience in integrated circuit designs. Particularly, he has experience in VLSI (very large scale integration) designs.

Charles Bieneman specializes in patent prosecution, counseling, and opinions for clients across industries such as automotive, telecommunications, and aerospace. Charles Bieneman is a seasoned intellectual property attorney specializing in patent prosecution, counseling, and opinions for clients in industries such as automotive, telecommunications, and aerospace. With a career spanning technical, legal, and managerial roles, Charles brings a multifaceted approach to providing comprehensive intellectual property strategies. Charles spent the early part of his career as a patent examiner with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, where he examined claim inventions in the areas of computer software, databases, and the World Wide Web. This foundational experience gave him an in-depth understanding of the patent examination process and the inner workings of the USPTO. Building on this, Charles held management positions with two computer software companies where he developed extensive expertise in software development, project management, and consulting, equipping him with a strong technical acumen and practical insights into product development and innovation. In addition, Charles also gained experience as an attorney with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Washington, D.C. office of a national law firm. Charles graduated cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School where he was a Note Editor on the Michigan Law Review. He is also a graduate of the University of Maryland with a B.S. in Computer Science as well as a B.A. from St. John’s College in Sante Fe. In his free time, Charles likes hiking, cooking, and reading.

Brett J. Smith has a decade of experience securing domestic and foreign patents for clients ranging from small startups to large U.S. and global corporations. In addition to patent preparation and prosecution, he regularly conducts patentability investigations and infringement and freedom-to-operate analyses. He also negotiates and prepares intellectual property agreements, including licenses, joint development agreements, confidentiality agreements, and other types of commercial agreements involving IP. Brett counsels clients on privacy matters, advising on GDPR requirements and various state consumer privacy laws. His diverse practice includes IP litigation and patent post-issuance proceedings, providing clients with a full range of patent portfolio management tools. He has assisted in representing clients through all phases of litigation, from discovery to trial. Brett works with clients across a variety of technical fields, including automotive technologies, commercial vehicles, aviation technologies, robotics manufacturing, medical devices, garage door systems, irrigation products, packaging, consumer products, electronic products, acoustic devices, industrial systems, information technology, and agricultural machinery. Brett is committed to understanding each client’s business, allowing him to tailor his approach to their specific needs and help them achieve their business goals.